(L-R): HW Sarah Langa Siu(Chief Registrar), Hon. Justice Dr Flavian Zeija (Principal Judge) and Hon. Justice Tom Chemutai at the launch of the Rukungiri High Court
On Monday February 6, 2023, hundreds of Court users thronged Rukungiri Chief Magistrates Court grounds for the official launch of the High Court Circuit which was presided over by the Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Dr Flavian Zeija.
The Principal Judge was received by the Rukungiri Resident Judge, Hon. Justice Tom Chemutai, the Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu, the Private Legal Secretary to the Chief Registrar, HW Patricia Amoko; and the Rukungiri Chief Magistrate, HW, Edith Mbabazi, who also caretakes the High Court Registry.
Hon. Justice Dr Zeija emphasized that the launch of the Rukungiri High Court Circuit will serve several purposes including, the reduction of case backlog and the distance litigants have been trekking from Rukungiri and Kanungu districts to Kabale.
The PJ said the idea of bringing justice closer to the people has for many years been one of the key priorities in the Judiciary's transformation agenda.
The Circuit is among the six new High Courts that were operationalized on September 18, 2022.
The other five High Court Circuits being Luwero, Moroto, Tororo, Iganga and Hoima.
He urged the Rukungiri Resident Judge to ensure timely justice to people by embracing best practices like certainty of hearing dates, excellent customer care, zero tolerance to corruption, maintaining of organized archives and exhibit stores.
Other best practices recommended include conducting of regular weeding out exercise, physical counting of casefiles while reconciling with the Court Case Administration System (CCAS)record, delivery of judgements within 60 days after hearing, and encouraging Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms such as Mediation, Plea Bargaining and Small Claims Procedure.
Hon. Justice Samuel Emokor, the Kabale Resident Judge thanked the Judiciary for operationalizing the Court. He then appealed to lawyers to interest other advocates to practice in the region.
The Rukungiri Resident Judge, thanked the Chief Magistrate for improvising facilities at the court to cater for High Court. He also appreciated the district leadership and various stakeholders for the support rendered to the attainment of the launch.
Hon. Justice Chemutai reassured members of the public and stakeholders present that he operates an open door policy geared at ensuring that all court users are satisfied with the court’s services and effective access to justice.
In her remarks, the Chief Registrar, HW Sarah Langa Siu pointed out that part of the Judiciary's strategies and mechanisms for improving physical access to justice is to take services closer to people. Adding that the launch was "a memorable and fulfilment of the promise that the Judiciary made."
She called for professionalism from the court officers while attending to clients justly with love and mercy. "We want a court that is responsible to the people they serve, offering quality justice and be professional," she said.
The Chief Magistrate, HW Edith Mbabazi reported on the progress of the Construction of the new court. "I wish to report that the High Court construction is almost coming to competition, if all goes well, there will be handover of the premises by May2023," she said.
On behalf of the Town Council, Mr. Makuru Charles, the Rukungiri Lord Mayor, commended the Judiciary for designating a High Court in the district, saying this won't only improve access to justice in the community by saving people the long distance to Kabale and reduce backlog in court, but will also create development and employment opportunities.
On the other hand, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Bewayo Stephen pledged to support the court in delivering justice especially through other alternative disputes resolution.
Mr. Kyomukama Geoffrey, the LCV Chairperson also witnessed the launch. Others were representatives of various Justice, Law and order institutions like Police, Prisons, Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions among others.
Posted 7th, February 2023
